stalled

6 definitions • 8 examples

past simple and past participle of

If an engine stalls, or if you stall it, it stops working suddenly and without you intending it to happen:

A car may stall due to the driver braking too suddenly.

I stalled the car twice during my driving test but still managed to pass.

to delay taking action or avoid giving an answer in order to have more time to make a decision or get an advantage:

stall (for time) She says she'll give me the money next week but I think she's just stalling (for time).

If you stall a person, you delay them or prevent them from doing something for a period of time:

I managed to stall him for a few days until I'd got enough money to pay back the loan.

stall someone off mainly US The thief broke into the office while his accomplice stalled off the security guard.

to stop making progress:

Japan's economic growth has stalled, with industrial production contracting in June for the fourth straight month.

If you stall an event, you delay it or prevent it from making progress:

Commandos stalled the enemy attack by destroying three bridges.

Fears are growing that a tax increase may stall economic recovery.